5. Chapter: Research Synthesis and Conclusions
5.4 Further research
This study on the sustainability performance of organic and conventional farming systems in Kenya used the SMART-farm tool to conduct its sustainability assessment. A deeper analysis was performed
gases, were measured qualitatively. Another area that deserves attention is a comparison of farming management systems with a focus on women and youth. Finally, this study mostly concentrated on crops and thus, an analysis of the aspects of sustainability in the livestock value chain is another area for further research.
This study included an assessment of productivity and profitability, a sustainability assessment, and a series of discussions with farmers to gain their perception on sustainability gaps. Thus, the entire cycle of starting with the farmer and ending with the farmer is captured. An adoption study is needed to gauge which of the measures the farmers take up, and to understand how the adoption of these measures impacts their livelihoods. Also studies on the impacts of time from organic conversion on the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the farming systems should be taken up. The sustainability assessment could also be repeated with the same farmers after some years, to check if the areas that scored lowly have improved.
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